Fruits Basket Fan Fiction ❯ Hidden Secrets ❯ Chapter 1

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Disclaimer: well have to go back to all my fanfics and add disclaimer, though this is obvious to begin with but hey we gotta make the admin happy now don’t we: I don’t own so you don’t sue. I own only my character Siera Star and a few other character s that will show later on in the story.


Tohru and the others were sitting at the table waiting when there came a knock at the door. Tohru got up to open it smiling, “hello….” She stopped when she saw that the guest was a girl with long midnight blue hair and sea blue eyes.

“Tohru what’s wrong?” Yuki poked his head into the hallway blinking surprised. “…Siera…”
Tohru looked from Yuki to the new girl, “is she a friend of yours?”

“Did you just say Siera?” Shigure chuckled poking his head out. “That’s Impossible…she’s…” he stopped when he saw the girl as well.

“Hey what’s up with you two,” Kyo said shrugging when he stepped into the hall. He stopped when he saw the girl.

“Umm.. I guess you know each other,” Tohru said uneasily, the silence was a little unsettling.

“Siera, how did you…” Shigure started as the girl stepped into the room.

“What, no hello, no it’s been so long nice to see you Siera,” the girl ran a hand through her hair sighing. “I’m Sorry Shigure, I know it’s just as a shock to see me here, let alone remembering you.”
“Wait,” Tohru said, looking at Siera quickly. “Does that mean Hatori had erased your memory?”
Siera’s hand tightened on her arm at Hatori’s name, “…how is Hatori?”

Shigure sighed rubbing his head, “looks like there’s a lot to talk about. Come have a seat and we can talk.”

Once they were all seated and Tohru had served everyone tea Siera sat down. She gentle pushed the tea aside, “please forgive me, I’m not much of a tea drinker.”

“Oh would you like something else,” Tohru started to get up but Siera stopped her. “I’ll be fine, sit down and relax. I didn’t come for tea and cookies.” Her face turned serious as she turned back to Shigure, “yes, it’s like you are thinking. I do have my memory back, I don’t know how or why I was able to regain my memory. All I do know is that the reason for my memory being erased was because Akito didn’t approve of how close I was to Hatori, or to you and Ayame.”

“Oh, you knew Shigure, Hatori and Ayame,” Tohru said smiling, Siera nodded slightly.

“Siera,..was hatori’s…first girlfriend,” Shigure said causing them to gasp. “But…something happened and Akito lost his temper ordering that her memory be erased.”

“So you knew Hatori before Kana?” Tohru asked, Siera looked away slightly. Pain was showing clearly on her face.

“I didn’t leave because I wanted to…” her hands were clenching the side of the table and her eyes were filled with pain and sorrow.

“Yuki, Kyo, would you take Tohru and go for a walk to the store?” Shigure asked turning to the two.
Kyo started to protest, “why the hell…” He stopped when he saw that Shigure’s face was void of any jokes. “Yeah…whatever.”
“Oh, I was planning to do the shopping anyways,” Tohru said smiling before bowing to Siera. “Please to meet you, I hope we become great friends.”

Siera smiled softly at her, “I would like that.”  She watched as Yuki and Kyo left with Tohru, once the room was empty Shigure turned to her. His face turned serious, “why did you leave…he was very upset.”

Siera leaned on her hands swallowing, “…if I had stayed…Akito swore he would Hatori. But if I left and allowed Hatori to erase my memories then Hatori wouldn’t be harmed…” She leaned back against the wall looking out onto the yard. “…I didn’t want to see him hurt…so told Hatori I was no longer in love with him and that I wanted him to erase my memories of the Sohmas. I…pretended…I told him…I didn’t love him anymore…but I really…”

“You were still in love with him,” Shigure said, softly folding his hands in his kimono. He smiled slightly looking at the table, “we wondered why you were suddenly leaving everyone. Now we know why, you left because Akito threatened to hurt Hari if you remained.”

Siera looked at Shigure quickly, tears were starting to fall, “I didn’t want to leave him…I didn’t want to forget him. I didn’t want to forget you or Aya, you were my dear friends. But I couldn’t watch Akito hurt Hatori because of me.”

Her shoulders were starting to shake, “after I left…I returned to the Star Estates. But I began to remember things. Bits and pieces of my friendship with you guys…time with Hatori…then I heard about Kana when I ran into one of Hatori’s co-workers. It was like an avalanche, all my memories of everything, it all came back. The pain and sorrow, I couldn’t bare it. I know I had left to protect him and that staying away was the only to keep him safe…but finding about her…I couldn’t bear the pain. I visited Momiji to find out the truth, he told me about how Kana had left and about how Hatori’s eyes had been injured. …I couldn’t help but wonder if the same would have happened if I had been in her place. Would Akito have acted the same…he had swore that if I remained Hatori would be hurt. But Hatori had been hurt even with me leaving.”

“And you can’t help but think if you had been there you might have been able to do something,” Shigure added looking at the poor girl. “Siera…I don’t think it would have done much if any of us was there. Akito would have still reacted the way he did. It’s not your fault”

“But if I had stayed instead of listening to Akito…I can’t help but think…” Siera couldn’t talk anymore. Her shoulders were shaking and tears were falling. “Shigure…I…still love him…I always have…”

Shigure moved so that he was sitting next to her, as he held her gently, “I know you do…but I’m not the one you should be telling..”

“But how can I face him,” she choked out, “he thinks I betrayed him.”

Shigure patted her shoulder, “I think he’ll understand. If you tell him the truth, I think he might know that Akito had played a hand in it.”

“Aya said the same thing,” she looked at him wiping her eyes. “He said that Hatori had suspected that Akito had gotten to me somehow.”

“Aya said that?” Shigure asked surprised, rubbing his chin. “Well, Aya has always been rather close to Hari. But he’s made a point for once.”

“But what am I supposed to do, I can’t just walk in there like nothing happened,” she said sighing. “He’s probably so mad at me.”

“Just leave everything to me,” Shigure said as Siera sighed.

“….great…” she leaned on her elbow. She had a bad feeling about this, Shigure’s plans always ended up in
turmoil.

“I can’t do this,” Siera stood facing the Sohma gates, she started backing up.

Shigure grabbed her arm, “come along Siera. You can do it.”

“Hari’s going to be so happy,” Aya said spinning trying to pull Siera towards the gate. Siera took a deep breath then nodded, she followed them.

It was night when a knock came to the door, Hatori opened it irritated, to find Aya and Shigure standing there.

“Hey Hari did we wake you!” Aya said is his normal loud and hyper voice. Hatori’s eyes slightly narrowed as he went to slam the door in there faces.

“Wait, wait, we have a surprise!” Aya cried grabbing the door. With a frustrated sigh Hatori opened the door and walked back to his study.

“It’s late what are you two doing here,” Hatori was clearly exhausted and irritably.

“Like I said, we have a surprise,” Aya said happily, but Shigure knocked him beside the head in a playful manner.

“What he means is…we came to show you something…” Shigure was no longer joking and his face was serious. “Actually…I should say someone…”

This caused Hatori to look at them from his desk, if Shigure was being serious then this wasn’t the normal “bother Hatori” time. Hatori turned his chair, Aya was a big smile and Shigure was serious and unsure.

“Shigure just show him already,” Aya said clapping his hands. “she’s gonna get bored out there.”

Hatori stopped looking at them, “she?”

Shigure sighed and poked his head into the yard, “come in now…don’t worry…”

Hatori watched as a midnight blue haired girl stepped slowly into the doorway, pausing at the door frame. She gripped the frame looking down.

Shigure patted her shoulder gently, “don’t be scared.”

This caused the girl to raise her face as she look uncertainly at Shigure then looked to Hatori. Hatori stood slowly, shock registered on his face as he looked at the girl, “…Siera?”

The looked to him quickly like she was going to say something before stepping back, “I’m sorry Shigure, I can’t do this.” She turned and disappeared through the gate of Hatori’s estate.

“Oh dear, and here I thought she would be happy to see him again,” Aya sighed, “she really should stop being so scared.”

Hatori looked to Shigure seriously, “you have a lot of explaining to do.” Shigure laughed nervously scratching his head.

Siera ran out of the yard, past the gates of the Sohma estate. She cried out when she tripped hitting the ground. Swallowing back the tears she sat back leaning against the wall. Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she buried her face in her arms.

“I’m so sorry…” she chocked out shaking, “I can’t face him.”

“Siera?” a voice said shocked, she looked up to a white haired boy with black eyes.

“Haru,” she choked out, the boy stood there shock for moment but he quickly snapped out of it. He grabbed her arm pulling her up, “you idiot it’s beginning to rain. You’re going to get sick.”

She looked to the sky, she was distraught that she hadn’t notice that it was beginning to rain. She allowed Haru to pull her into the house,

Siera sat down on the edge of the bed gripping the towel that Haru had given her around her shoulders. Her eyes stared at the floor, she could hear Haru on the phone.

“I understand,” she heard Haru say. “yes she’s here..but Shigure how..” There was a long pause then Haru spoke again, “I said I understand.” He hung up the phone and entered the room again, sitting in the chair across from her sighing.

“…I’m sorry Haru…” she said gripping the towel, “…I’m a burden to everyone…”

“That’s not true,” he ran a hand through his hair. “I’m just surprised that’s all...Anyways...Shigure’s on his way here. Get some rest, you’re starting to look pale.”

“Yes mother,” she laid back getting a glare from him. She knew now that it was black Haru who had helped her and black Haru who was here right now. She smiled slightly, “thank you…Haru.”

He paused, “your welcome.” He closed the door behind him leaving her alone. She laid her head on the pillow gripping the sheet. Tears fell from her eyes, she didn’t understand why she had run…but she wasn’t ready to face him. Akito’s threats still haunted her mind. She soon fell into a fitful sleep.

She awoke when she heard a door close, she heard voices in the next room. The first was voice was unmistakable, Aya..then Shigure’s.

“How is she?” she heard Shigure ask Haru.

Haru’s reply was worried sounding, “resting, but she was soaked when I found her. I wouldn’t be surprised if she gets sick.”

“Maybe you should check on her,” she heard Shigure say to someone. “After all, you are a doctor Hari.”

She choked gripping the sheets tighter, her eyes wide. No…Shigure had brought Hatori. Akito’s words grew louder in her head as flung the sheets off racing for the window and throwing it open. It wasn’t until she had jumped through it did she realize she was on a second floor. She landed crouching but the wet ground made her slip, pain shot through her leg. Pushing herself up against the pain she ran the best she could along the small path,

The sound of the window slamming made Haru and Shigure burst into the room.

“Siera?!” Haru ran to the window, “damn it, I can’t believe she jumped out of a two story window.”

Shigure ran a hand through his hair sighing, “I’ve heard of shyness but this is ridiculous. She must be scared to death to see you again Hari.” Hatori stood looking out the window, his face was blank, but emotions were conflicting in his eyes.

“Were else is there to go?” Aya asked confused, “there isn’t too many places she knows here at Sohma house.”

Hatori turned walking to the door, he had an idea of where she might be. Shigure blinked, “hey hari…” but he was already out the door leaving Shigure to sigh.

Siera came to a small clearing of trees and flowers. There wasn’t many places in the Sohmar house that were this beautiful and not many knew of this small clearing because it was so deep in the woods surrounding Sohmar house. She fell against the large oak leaning against it as she curled up. No one could find her here…this was her sanctuary…hers and…

“Hatori,” she whispered as she cried, this had been their special spot. She curled up in a tight ball as the rain pounded against her form. Her mind was beginning to turn foggy but the sound of tree branches snapping made her lift her head. She gasped when she Hatori standing in the small path, breathing hard from running.
“…ha…hatori…” she choked, starting to stand as she moved back against the tree. She gasped as pain shot straight up her leg causing her to fall back against the ground.

He was next to instantly, his arms going around her, one hand touching her leg. She started to pull away but his grip held her in place.

“You mustn’t stand on it,” he ordered as his hand felt her ankle and leg. An uneasy silence washed over them, Siera could only stare at the ground swallowing back tears. She nearly jumped out of her skin when hatori’s hand touched her cheek moving her hair out of her eyes. “Shigure told me everything.”

She looked at him as she lowered her head not being bale to stop the tears any longer, “I’m sorry…I never wanted to leave you…I didn’t want to you to get hurt because of me…but…I never wanted to leave…I loved you…I still love you…” Her body racked with sobs as she gave up trying to fight it.

His arms tightened on her shoulders, he was careful not to let their torsos touch, he started to say something when Shigure’s voice stopped him.

“I found them!” Shigure yelled to Aya and Haru, Siera’s mind only registered part of everything. The exhaustion and stress was taking its toll.

“How do we get her back to the house?” Haru asked, “it wouldn’t be a good idea for Hatori to carry her incase he transforms.”

“Why not carry her on your back,” Shigure said to Haru, “your zodiac form is the only one that can carry her.”

“Fine, whatever,” Haru said, it was unclear whether he was still black haru at the moment or white haru. But the smirk that showed on his face made them realize it was black haru that had been there the whole time.
“At least she’s hot,” black haru smirked at Hatori before wrapping his arms around Siera. Hatori’s eyes slightly narrowed at him just black haru hugged Siera. A puff of smoke filled the air as a cow replaced where haru had been.

Siera felt herself being placed on her bag, she snuggled into the warm fur but her foggy mind registered there was still no horns, “hm Haru…still...no horns...you turning female on us.”

An angry moo made her giggle, Aya and Shigure were laughing too. She even swore she hear a small chuckle from Hatori. Her eyes fluttered close as the lullaby of the rain through the woods lulled her to sleep.

Sunlight peeking through the curtains woke her, her hands rubbed her face a she blinked tiredly. Her head was still throbbing from a pounding headache. She stopped as she looked around the room…she was in his room. She looked down realizing her clothes had been changed. She was in one of Hatori’s oversized button up shirts that went below her waist.

She blushed slightly realizing they had seen her “undress” state. But a small smile replaced it, they had made sure to get her out of the soaked clothes. Shigure, Aya, and…Hatori had always fretted over her. She shook her head with a small sigh as she rubbed the sleeve of the shirt against her cheek. His scent was on it, the smell of the ocean mixed with the musty smell of cigarettes. She looked to the door, the place was quiet.
Slowly slipping out of the bed she walked over to the door quietly.

There was no pain in her ankle that had been bandaged, opening the door slowly she smiled slightly leaning her head on the door at the sight in front of her. Shigure and Aya were asleep in the chairs at the table. Haru was asleep on the floor leaning against the wall, and Hatori was asleep on the couch an arm hanging off of it.

She was careful to walk past Haru, Shigure, and Aya to the couch. Carefully removing the blanket from the end of the couch she laid it on Hatori. She stood watching him for a moment, her hand started to lit, hesitating for a second before gently brushing his bangs out off his face. A lump formed in her throat as she stepped back clenching her hand to her chest, unaware that Shigure and the others had awaken.

“Hmm, a nice sight to awake to,” came a tired reply from the floor. She stiffened as she looked over to Haru, or black haru to be more correct. She growled throwing a pillow from the couch at him.

“Asshole,” she growled facing them. “When you go black you’re a real ass.” She froze when she felt something slither up her leg then poke out of the top of the shirt.

“Come now, is that really such a greeting,” Aya chuckled as hi slithered around her neck, “to give old friends.”

She shook in anger as she grabbed him throwing him across the room, “you perverted snake!”
Aya lifted his head up from the floor with a big bump on his head, “oh look Shigure, our dear Siera is back to her old temperamental self.”

Shigure chuckled leaning on his elbow, “yes, Aya, I believe you are right.”
Siera couldn’t stay angry at them as a grin replaced her angered look, “oh, you guys…you never change.” She jumped when a hand touched her shoulder; looking behind her she saw that it was Hatori. A silence fell on everyone as she stared at the ground.

Shigure broke the silence, “say Aya, Haru, let’s go get some food. I’m sure our Siera is starved.”
“Oh but I want to stay and talk with Siera,” Aya whined, but Shigure pulled him out the door with Haru.
“Come along Aya,” the three disappeared through the door.

Siera mentally thanked Shigure but held her arm as she continued to look at the ground. She didn’t know what to say now, she had come out and told Hatori that she still loved him last night. But she didn’t know if he still felt the same. She had suddenly left asking him to erase her memories, and she knew that it had hurt him, but he would have been hurt more if she had stayed. Then he had come close to marriage with Kana, that tore like a knife into her heart when she had heard. Akito’s threat still circled her mind, but she…didn’t want to go on fearing them anymore. She loved Hatori too much, she didn’t want to leave him, she wanted to be with him.

She turned to face him suddenly fighting tears, “I’m sorry Hatori…I don’t know what to do. I want to be with you but I don’t want you hurt. Akito’s threats still haunt my mind, I can still hear his words when I told him that I loved you.”

Her arms wrapped around herself as she fell to her knees, “I know it’s not even possible for me to have any of memories back…but somehow I regained them. I never wanted to forget the times we spent together. I never wanted to forget you…but I was scared…he told me that if I didn’t leave and forget everything that you be hurt.”

Her shoulders shook, “I want to be with you…I don’t ever want to forget again…I know I’m not Kana…I know I’m not as good as her…”

She was stopped as he knelt next to her grabbing her shoulders, “you don’t have to be Kana. I still think of her time to time, but things are over between us, Kana has moved on with her life.”
Siera looked up at him quickly, “…but I…”

He gently pressed a finger to her lips, “I want you to stay the way you are. The way I loved you…I love you just how you are right now…”

Her eyes widened as tears filled her eyes, “you still love me even after what I did?”

He gently ran a hand down her cheek, “I’ve loved you even after you left. I had a feeling that Akito had gotten to you...when you came to me. The way you spoke when you said you were no longer in love was withdrawn and forced. Your eyes and movements said otherwise.”

She leaned her head on his arm, her hand closing over his, “I’m so sorry. I should never have let Akito get to me…I just didn’t want him to cause you more pain because of me. Akito was wrong…” She looked up at him, “you may hide your emotions…but you’re not as cold as snow.”

Hatori knelt there looking at her, he was too surprised to say anything. She then did something she hadn’t done in a long time, she threw her arms around him and hugged him. Even if for just a second of holding she was happy. His arms slightly tightened just before smoke filled the room. A sea horse laid in her hand as she looked at Hatori with a soft smile.

“Thank you…for forgiving me,” she kissed the sea horse gently, “my dragon.”

“We’re back,” Shigure sang as he and Aya popped through the door. They blinked when they found Siera smiling and happy tears falling as she hugged a seahorse gently. A puff of smoke filled the room a moment later as a undressed Hatori appeared.

“I see everything was worked out,” Shigure chuckled leaning on the door. The look Hatori gave him could have froze hell. But when Hatori looked back at her it was a soft and gentle look, Siera smiled softly leaning her head on his shoulder.

But the moment when Aya poked Hatori’s shoulder, “you sly one, she has been here 1 day yet and you’re already naked.”

The silence Hatori gave made Aya laugh clapping his hands, “oh you were thinking that weren’t you.”

“No, I was just to stunned by your stupidity to say anything,” Hatori replied warily as he dressed quickly.

“Oh, Hari, that’s so mean,” Aya whinned hitting Hatori in the arm with a fan.

“Aya grow up,” Siera sighed leaning against the wall, “I was the one who hugged him.”

Aya was suddenly beside her, “I want a hug too!”

Her eyebrow twitched as she bopped him on the head, “No! you perverted snake!”
Ayame was starting to cry when the door opened and Kagura poked through, “hello everybody! Haru called.”

“Oh, Kagura hello,” Shigure said as Kagura hopped in closing the door. “What brings you here?”

Kagura smiled tilting her head in her normal cheerful fashion, “Haru called and told me Siera needed some clothes.”

“Hey thanks,” Siera said, smiling at Kagura as Kagura hopped over to her.

Kagura clapped her hands cheerfully, “no problem, but I guess Haru was right. You somehow have your memory back.”

“Yes, it’s a mystery but it’s true,” Shigure babbled, “our princess Siera has returned to her knight Hari.”

Hatori and Siera both had blank looks, annoyed looks, as they both spoke at the same time, “you’re a moron.” Siera blinked when she realized what happened as she looked at Hatori, Hatori looked surprised as well.

“Aww they’re thinking alike as well,” Kagura cheered, “yay! It’s great to have you back Siera. You and Hari make a great couple.”

“Yes don’t they,” Shigure said cheerfuly, he ahd a lemonade to Siera and coffee to Hatori.”

“But what about Akito?” Kagura asked placing a finger on her chin. “Does he know she’s back?”

Everyone looked to Siera when the can slipped out of her hands hitting the floor. The look of fear in her face made Shigure turn to Kagura, “I think it’s best if we wait a little to tell Akito.”

Kagura blinked, “but hasn’t Akito been acting better since Tohru’s meeting. I think he’s gotten a little more nicer. I heard from Ritsu that Akito’s planning on sending all of us to the hot springs.”

Shiggure smiled nodding, “that may be…but some things can’t be forgotten so easily and…it’s more for Siera’s benefit then Akito’s…”

Kagura’s face formed an “oh” as she realized what Shigure meant. She ran to Siera grabbing her arm, “come on girl. Let’s get ya dressed.” she dragged Siera into Hatori’s room and closed the door.

“For now let’s just wait a little,” Sigure sat down next as Hatori leaned back against this desk. “Siera suffered quite a deal of mental abuse and…like Yuki…it’s most likely left some scars. And we can’t forget that this has never happened before. No one who’s memory was erased has ever remembered.”

“You’re right, but I think Siera’s different,” Kagura was back in the living room. She looked at Hatori, “I think Siera love you soo much that…she remembered because she never truly wanted to forget. Her love was so strong that it broke the spell.”

They all turned quiet, everyone thinking on it, Hatori looked at his drink, Kagura words in his head. Could it have been that Siera’s love was strong that not even a memory spell could keep her away from him. Could she been the one he was truly destined to be with. He had been devastated when Siera came to and told him she was leaving, because he had been planning to ask her to marry him. His mind went back to that day…

Hatori sat his desk holding a small black box, when it opened it revealed a beautiful silver wedding band. He was going to ask Siera to marry him, but there was going to be one problem, Akito. Akito wasn’t very understanding when it came to relationships among the zodiac members, but for Siera, he was willing to try. He stopped when he heard the door opening quietly and slowly, closing the box he hid it in the drawer of his desk.

Siera walked in her midnight blue hair blocking her cheek, “Hatori, I…need to talk to you?”

He looked at her, the tone of her voice made his heart pound, something wasn’t right. She never came into his house so withdrawn, “what’s wrong?”

She looked away before looking straight at him, in her eyes they were pain but her face was blank and lifeless, “I’m leaving today…”

He stepped towards her frowning, “what do you mean?”

She shook her head, “I’m leaving for good…I’m…no longer in love with you…I want you…to...erase my memories of the Sohmas…and you.”

Hatori stood there looking on her in shock, he felt his heart breaking as walked up to her, he moved the hair out of her face seeing a purple bruise on her cheek.

He looked at her sternly, “did Akito force you to do this?”

She didn’t look him in the eye, “No, I decided to return home. My feelings for you are no longer there, I want to forget everything to do with the Sohmas.”

His fist clenched as his eyes closed, “is this what you really want. Once I erase your memories you’ll never be able to turn back.”

She closed her eyes then looked at him with a blank look, “it is…I don’t love you anymore.”

Hatori placed his hands over eyes, a second later she had fallen, he caught her laying her on the ground. It was done, her memories of everything that happened within Sohma house, everyone in Sohma house was gone. As well, as their times together.  He looked to the dark cloudy night, tears fell from his eye.
It was after that night that he had become as cold as snow. He knew deep down that Akito had gotten to her, the bruise that been on her cheek was proof. He learned later from Ayame that Siera had been brought into a private meeting with Akito earlier that day. That the vase and tea sets had been broken, and when Siera had exited the room she had the ugly bruise on her cheek. Akito had frightened her so bad that she had lied to him to have her memories erased. His hand clenched the drink in his hand, now she was here again. He had been given a second chance…this time he wasn’t going to let it walk away.

He looked at his desk to the top drawer on the left. There in the very back, the black box with the wedding band still sat. he looked up when the door opened and Siera stepped out of the room. She was dressed brown boots like Kagura’s as well as blue jeans and a dark blue tee/tank that a sea horse on it. He looked at Kagura who smiled shrugging innocently.

“Perfect choice of clothes Kagura,” Shigure said smiling, as Kagura giggled.

Aya agreed nodding, “yes, yes, a great choice. Looks like you Hari.”

“I guess now the question  is, where is she going to stay?” Shigure said crossing his arms. “She can’t stay here because she may run into Akito.”

Siera looked down, she wanted to be near Hatori but she didn’t know if she could face Akito yet. But she knew if she was going to be able to be close to Hatori then…she would have to. She had been given a second chance and this time she was going to fight back.

She raised her head making up her mind, “…thank you for your concern everyone…but I have to face Akito.”

Hatori looked at her surprised at her words, he stood walking over to her, “that may not be a good idea.”

She shook her head looking up at him, “ I want to be able to stay near you. But I can’t go on fearing Akito. I have to face him, it’s the only way we can be together. I let him scare me off before…I’m not going to let that happen now. He won a battle, but I’ll win the war.”

Hatori saw the determination and…stubbornness in her eyes, he knew she was back down when her eyes looked like that.

Shigure sighed but spoke to Hatori, “I’m worried but she may be right. And Akito has changed…I’m not if sure the turnout of this meeting will be good or bad…but facing Akito may be what she needs.”

Hatori looked at her, he sighed running a hand through his hair, “you may be right…I’ll arrange the meeting with Akito.”

“We can only hope that he’s in a good mood today,” Haru said, causing Siera to look at them.

“We?” she looked at her friends surprised as Shigure smiled at her.

“You didn’t think we were going to let you face Akito alone did you ?” he asked her, “after last time, we think it will be better if we’re all there supporting you.”

She shook her head as she looked at them happily, she looked at Hatori who nodded smiling a small smile at her.

They knelt silently in the small room, Akito laid on the porch outside. Siera forced herself to look calm as she stared vase sitting on the table near the wall.

Siera took a deep breath as she faced Akito, “Akito, I want to be able to always be with Hatori. I love Hatori and request to be allowed to move in with him.”
Akito slammed the tea set against the wall, “I will not allow it!”

“Please let Hatori and I be together!” she winced at the breaking glass.

“No! I forbid it!” Akito screamed smashing the vase against the ground, Siera back up quickly to avoid the it.

“But I love him with all my heart!” She cried tears filling her eyes, “I want to be with him.”

“I will not allow it!” He hit her hard across the face, she cried as he grabbed her by the neck snarling in her face. “Leave Sohma house, leave Hatori, forget everything that has happened or I swear I’ll make Hatori pay for YOUR insolence!”

“He’s your family!” she cried, “how can you enjoy hurting them just because of your pain!”

Akito took on an scary, silent predator look, “wouldn’t you rather have Hatori hurt a little then to suffer more pain. If you don’t tell him you no longer love him I will make things much worse. Hatori will only continue to suffer...because of you.
That day still haunted her, but she was a tired of running. This time she had her friends and the one she loves by her side, she would fight back with everything she had to be with Hatori.

Akito arose from his spot turning to the group, he froze when his gaze fell on Siera.

“What is the meaning of this?” he asked, but he made no sudden movements or sign of anger. Only surprise was on his face.

“Well…um…her memory…returned,” Shigure answered nervously as Akito walked over. He stood in front of Siera and Hatori, Siera stood her ground looking right at him. Her hand was clenched but she remained where she was, Kagura had been right. There was something different about Akito.

“How is that possible,” Akito said, it was hard to tell if he was angry or just asking.

“We are not sure,” Hatori answered Akito’s question. Akito stood looking at her, his mind in thought.

“Girl, why are you here,” Akito said, it was not a question it was a statement.

Hatori started to speak but Siera spoke over him, “because I want to remain at Hatori’s side. I had not left because I wanted to, I left because you threatened his life.”

It was if time had stopped, as if someone had dropped a pin it would be the loudest in the room. Shigure, Ayame, Hatori and Haru all stared shocked at the bold reply. Akito’s face twisted into a an angered look as he stepped towards her. Hatori to stand but Siera beat them to it her face serious.

“I’m no longer afraid of you,” she looked him straight in the eyes, “I love Hatori with all my heart. I want to be by his side, with or without your approval.”
The others were preparing for an all out war, and the anger was showing on his face. He started to step towards her when she continued.

“But…”they all looked at her as she closed her then looked at him sadly. “You are his family, family means everything to me. I would rather be at his side with approval, no matter how you acted I know that your family means a lot to you too. Don‘t you want them to be happy, wouldn‘t that make you happy knowing that you were able to help your family.”

This made Akito step back in shock, he stood there staring at the bold girl who dared to defy him, who stood up to him. He turned facing the vase that was behind him slowly, leaning on the table. The others watched him careful, ready to get Siera to safety if Akito snapped.

“Hatori…” Akito spoke, as Hatori looked at him. “….I assume you came for permission to wed.”

Siera moved slightly shock as she looked quickly at Hatori whose eyes were closed. The answer that he gave made Siera’s eyes widen, but Shigure and the others were not surprised, “…yes”

Siera stared Hatori her eyes tearing up as her hand closed over her mouth, she looked quickly at Akito.

Akito’s back remained to them, “…do as you want…” He moved slowly to the porch as he laid back down on his side with his back to them. Siera was frozen on the spot, Akito had actually given his approval…sorta…but he had. Shigure was right…Akito had changed…and she had Tohru to thank.

She shook her head looking up when Hatori stood over her holding out his hand. She took it allowing him to pull her up. The others slowly left the room quietly. But before her and Hatori were out of the room she turned stepping back in, the others looking back at her.

“Thank you…Akito,” she whispered before turning and exiting the room as well. Hatori’s face showed a smile a she walked up to him. Once outside she couldn’t contain it anymore, she jumped at Hatori hugging him.

“I love you sooooo much!!” she cried hugging the seahorse.

Shigure sweat dropped nervously, “uhhh Siera…you’re squashing him.”
She gasped loosening her hold, “sorry Hari!” She waited as a few minutes passed and he transformed back dressing swiftly.

She smiled at him, “I’m sorry, I was just so excited…and shocked…” She looked at the ground, “I was afraid…you wouldn’t want to marry me…”

His hand touched her cheek, “you surprised us all as well…”

Shigure nodded, “yes, you shocked us. Speaking up to Akito like you did.”

She shook her head, “I wasn’t thinking…I just did it. All I was thinking was how much I love you Hatori…but I was telling the truth…I did want Akito to approve of me being with you. He’s part of your family, and now…” she smiled up at him, “he’ll be part of mine.”

“Yes and congratulations, you’ll make a lovely couple,” Shigure chuckled, “and Aya can make your dress.”

She paled slightly, “uhhh that’s okay…but I…”

“What’s the matter? Afraid I might make it too sexy,” Ayame clapped his hands, “oh I have the perfect ideas.”

She moved behind Hatori, “now I’m scared.”

She blinked when she heard Hatori chuckle, she started stared at him in wonder before grinning, “would you trust him with your suit?” He stopped laughing, “see…”

“Hey guys!” Kagura ran hover hugging Siera tightly. “You’re staying?!?!” Siera nodded smiling as Kagura cheered, “Yay!! So are you going to stay at Shigure’s with Tohru, Kyo, and Yuki?”

“Actually she’ll be staying with Hari,” Shigure added smiling at the two. “They are to be married after all.”

Kagura gasped before screaming in cheer, “that’s soo great!! You make a great couple…oh I want to be your bridesmaid!”

The guys their fingers in their ears as Shigure whined, “Kagura you’re very loud…”

Siera laughed trying to escape Kagura’s grip, “okay, okay, just let me breathe will ya.”
She was still smiling when Kagura released her from her grip, but when she looked back at Akito’s estate then Hatori she went silent before quickly hiding it. Hatori noticed but didn’t say anything, but so did Shigure and Ayame to her dismay.

“What’s the matter Siera, pre-wedding jitters,” Ayame laughed patting her back. Siera merely sent a glare at him before turning and walking back to Hatori’s estate.

“Aya, grow up,” she said as she opened the door and walked in. Shigure blinked as Ayame shut up looking like he was going to cry.

“Siera is something wrong?” Shigure asked as they followed her into the estate.

Siera sat down at the table leaning on her elbow as Hatori sat down as well, “why would you ask that?” She was starting to sound a little “cranky”.

“Awww you’re not having second thoughts on marrying Hari are you?” Ayame said with big fake sad eyes causing Siera to snap.

“HELL NO! AND DON’T EVER SUGGEST THAT OR I‘LL KNOCK YOU THROUGH THE ROOF!” she yelled sending a lamp flying his head and it hit him with a thud. She took a deep breath before walking to the couch collapsing back in it with a sigh. “damn it Aya, watch what you say…I have a lot on my mind and when I’m stressed I can’t control my temper.”

“Ayame isn’t it past your time to leave,” Hatori said, he was starting to get a headache too and he could tell that something was stressing Siera out. He didn’t know what she had gone through away from Sohma house but he knew that she had changed as well.

“Hm?” Ayame tilted his head looking at Hatori.

Hatori sighed, “weren’t you going to visit Yuki?”

“Oh that’s right!” Ayame was up in seconds as he waved to everyone. “Ta Ta.”

Shigure sighed as he stood stretching, “I should be leaving too. Tohru is probably worrying by now. I can’t wait to eat her beef stew she’s trying a new recipe. You should come over and visit her sometime Siera.”

Haru and Kagura stood as well, Kagura looked at her watch, “we better get going to. We were supposed to visit Tohru, Yuki, and Kyo-chan.”

Kagura, Haru, and Shigure all exited the estate as Hatori looked over at Siera. She had fallen asleep on the couch, her legs were hanging off the couch and her head was half on the pillow and half against the back of the couch. He walked over lifting her legs back on the couch and throwing the blanket on her. For a few minutes he stood there just watching her. He sighed and stepped out onto the porch as he lit a cigarette. He was exhausted and wary, he still couldn’t believe everything that had happened. And now he was to be married to the girl that he had continued to love even after she had left. He leaned back against the wall lost in thought that he didn’t notice the movement beside.

“You’re still smoking,” she grabbed the cigarette from his hand throwing it away as she glared at him. The blanket was wrapped over her shoulders as she stood in front of him. “You’re a doctor Hatori, you know that’s bad for you.”

“You should be resting,” he said as he took out another cigarette, she glared before shaking her head. “I’m fine.”

They stood silence surrounding them, after a few minutes she turned back to the room. She paused looking towards the estates near them, she felt like someone had been watching her. She sighed looking out the window that was in the study. A soft smile played across her lips, her hand closed over her heart. When she had come looking for Hatori she only had her mind on finding him and telling him the truth. But when Hatori told her that he still had feelings for her and that he had never forgotten her even after his time with Kana she had felt overjoyed.

Then when she finally faced Akito she had been surprised even more, she had never expected Akito to have changed so much. Tohru had helped everyone, she mentally thanked Tohru for all the changes she had brought to Sohma house. And now…she was engaged…sorta, she shook her head she couldn’t believe. But what caused Hatori to say yes without even thinking about. Was…she just a replacement for Kana or had Hatori’s feelings for her still been just as strong as before even after the few years that had passed. No…Hatori wasn’t like that, he wasn’t the type to come out and say something if he didn’t mean it.

She leaned on her hands as she looked  out the window unaware that he stepped back into the room as she whispered, “…does he really love me that much…is his love really that strong…” She couldn’t stop her eyes from watering up as she swallowed turning to the living room. She stopped in her tracks when she saw him standing there in the door.

*********

Her eyes fluttered open as she sat up yawning and stretching, she reddened slightly as she remembered the night before and why she was undressed. She looked beside her to find the place empty. She heard typing coming from the office, she slipped on the over-sized button up shirt as she peeked out tiredly. Hatori sat at his computer with notebooks opened. Tip-toeing she moved behind him before wrapping her arms around his neck leaning so that her torso doesn’t touch his back, “hmm good morning.”

“Good morning,” he said as he stopped typing to lean back in the chair. His face showed lines of tiredness but he eyes showed happiness. She snuggled his neck as she peeked at what he was working on. She noticed a letter from Ayame’s shop had arrived.

“Dare I ask?” she pointed at the envelope looking at him, he handed the envelope to her.

She opened it then groaned as she let it fall back on the table, Hatori picked it up as his eyebrow twitched, “moron.”

Ayame had sent a picture of a dress that he had made for another wedding asking if she wanted the same, it looked like something a stripper would wear.

“I’ll kill him if he sends me a dress like that,” she growled good-naturedly.

“Oh come now, it would have made a great wedding dress,” Siera let her head fall back against Hatori’s back with a groan. Ayame and Hip Hip Hooray Shigure stepped into the estate.

“Yeah, if I was a stipper,” she growled, as she stepped back so Hatori could stand.

“What are you two doing here?” Hatori didn’t sound angry just a little annoyed.

“Uh well,” Shigure started but before he could finish two little heads ran into the room. A orange head lock onto Siera’s  leg.

“Kisa! Momiji!” Siera cried a she smiled kneeling in front of the girl. She tapped Kisa on the head, “did you miss me that much?”

Kisa nodded smiling, “yes, Kisa missed big sister Siera.”

“Hey Siera!” Momiki yelled circling around the room. “Congratulations! Shigure told everyone that you and Hari are getting married.

Siera did a face fault as Hatori eyed Shigure, Shigure laughed nervously as he backed up away from Siera. Ayame just laughed with his head held high, “come now Hari, you should be rejoicing .” Everyone ignored him as he went into his glowing and babbling mode.

“Hello everyone,” Kagura smiled as she burst into the room followed by Kyo, Yuki and Tohru. Kagura ran over to Siera grabbing her and twirling, “come, girl talk time.”

Siera backed up sweat dropping, “what for?”

Kagura smirked looking her up and down, “hmm, something interesting happen?”

Siera reddened when she realized she was still in Hatori’s over-sized button-up shirt, “ummm.”

Kagura giggled, “come girl talk.”

Siera knew Kagura wasn’t going back off so she decided to answer it in a way that didn’t say yes or no, “…maybe…”

She left it at that as she turned patting Kisa on the head, “okay Kisa I need to go changed.” Kisa hung to her so Siera sighed, “alright you can come to.”

Kagura grabbed her arm dragging her, “you too Tohru come, it’s girl time.”

Tohru was lokking spaced before she snapped out of it, “oh okay coming.” she followed Kagura and Siera.

Momiji stated to follow them only to get hit in the head by Kyo,  “Where do you think you’re going you damn brat!”

“Whaaaa Kyo hit me!” Momiji cried as Yuki walked next to him.

“Momiji let’s give some time to Siera and the girls, it’s been a long time since she saw them,” Yuki said. “I will give Tohru a chance to get to know her.”

“Okay,” Momiji sniffed as Kyo rolled his eyes.

“So Hari, did you sleep well,” Shigure smirked poking Hatori.

Hatori merely took a sip of his drink, “don’t you have a book to write.”

Shigure held up his hands laughing, “I’m sure Mii will understand. Helping a friend with his wedding, she’ll have to move the deadline.”

“I don’t know why she puts up with you,” Hatori said down in his chair rubbing his temple.

“That’s mean Hari,” Shigure whined, “why do you always have to ruin my fun.”

“Act like a grown up for once,” Kyo snapped leaning on his arm.

Siera sighed as she sat down on the bed with Kagura and the girls. She could hear all the noise the guys were making. Poor Hatori probably had a headache starting.

“uhhh Helloooo,” Kagura waved a hand in front of her. “Did you hear me?”

Siera shook her head as she blinked, “oh sorry…I was thinking about something.”

Kagura giggled again with a big smile, “don’t you mean someone?”

Siera sighed but smiled lying back, “ok ok, I was.”

“You really love Hatori don’t you?” the question had come from Tohru.

Siera sat back looking at her, she look down with a soft look, “yes.” she looked back up, “and I should be thanking you Tohru.”

Tohru shook her head holding up her hands, “I didn’t do anything.”

“Yes, you did,” Siera smiled at her. “I don’t know how, but you somehow changed it, it never used to be cheery or the others so happy. And I know I have you to thank for the way Hatori and the others are now.”

“But I…” but Siera stopped her by hugging her.

“Thank you Tohru,” Tohru gave up arguing before smiling her cheerful smile.

“Okay, now to plan a wedding!” Kagura cheered.

Tohru gaped then looked at Siera, “I almost forgot, congratulations. I’m sure you and Hatori will make a happy couple.”

“Thank you Tohru,” she leaned back against the bed board. Kisa was locked don her arm now. After she hand changed the little girl had grabbed onto her arm. “Don’t worry Kisa, I’m not going to be disappearing again.”

Kisa smiled cheerfully, “can you Toru, Hiro, and me all do something together.”

Siera nodded smiling, “sure Kisa, How is Hiro doing? Still getting into trouble?”

Kisa tilted her head, “oh he’s doing okay.”

“So are you going to have Ayame make your dress?” Tohru asked, “since he owns a dress shop.”

Siera sweat dropped, “umm…I don’t know yet.”

“Oh please do, I’ll make the perfect dress for you,” came a voice from under the covers making Siera freeze. “Hari will be so happy.”

Siera threw the covers off the bed as the girls all looked at the snake that was curled up.

The guys all stopped talking when they heard the sound of stuff being thrown from the bedroom, the door slammed open as Siera stormed out. Her eyes were blazing with flames a she threw the snake out the window. Kagura just looked out of the room calmly but Tohru looked shaken. Kisa blinked looking from them to Siera as if it wasn’t a problem.

Siera was shaking with her teeth clenched as she spun looking at Yuki, “he’s your brother if he does it again you’ll be short an older brother. I’ll skin him alive.”

Ayame slithered back in with a huge bump on his head, “come now. Is it so wrong to want to make my friend’s dress. All I did was take a nap,

“In the same bed as me!” Siera yelled, she still saw Ayame as a good friend, but when the snake wen into perverted mode her temper goes off.

“Come now Siera, why not let Aya make your dress,” Shigure said patting her shoulder. “It would make Aya very happy.”

“I’m sure, he’ll probably design a dress that falls down right in the middle of the ceremony,” Siera let her head fall back against the wall.

“Then why not collaborate?” Yuki suggested as Siera blinked, the others looked at him. “I don’t always understand my brother but he really seems to want to do this for Siera. And you’ve been gone for a long time, he wants to give you something special. How about letting him make the dress adding his design but with your permission.”

Siera thought on it before sighing, “you have a point.” she smiled slightly as she turned to Aya. “Alright Aya, you can make the dress but I’m to approve anything you add.”

“Yay!’ Aya spun around the room happily. “So many ideas, ohm and some sexyness to it as well.” He was out the door before anyone could blink.

Everyone stood sweat dropping including Yuki as she looked at him, “if he ruins the dress, you’ll be the one I’m coming after. It was your damn idea to let him do it.”

Yuki sweat dropped as he hoped his brother would create a dress that would “wow” Siera so she doesn’t kill him too.

Siera looked towards the phone a sit rang, Hatori answered it. After a few minutes he spoke, “yes, I understand. Tell him to remain in bed. I’ll be there right away.”

He stood putting on his jacket and picking up his case, “Akito’s had another fit, I’ll probably be there till late.”

Siera sighed but forced a smile, “I’ll probably be shopping with Kagura and Tohru.” Hatori nodded before leaving the room.

Siera stood looking at the door of Aya’s shop, she didn’t know how they had ended up here. Kagura dragged her in as Tohru and the others followed.

Mine looked out of the back room, “hi Tohru, hi Yuki. I see you brought some guest. Ayame told me we had a bride to be coming.”

“ Mine has our guest arrived, I need her measurements for the dress,” Aya poked his head out of the back room. “Ah, Siera come on back and I’ll get your measurements.”

“NO YOU WON’T!” Yuki and Kyo yelled at the same time hitting Ayame.

Yuki turned to Mine, “Mine will you please take the measurements.” Ayame was sporting a large bump on his head and looking to be rather dizzy.

Mine smiled and led Siera to the back room, “don’t worry, Ayame’s got the perfect ideas for your dress. You’re going to love it.”

After taking measurements and seeing the designs for the dress Siera sighed but smiled, “alright, I’ll let him make the dress.”
“Yay!” Ayame had come into the back, he grabbed all the papers and started to rummage through fabrics.. When Siera stopped him, she had a small smirk on her face as she eyed one of the designs. She whispered something in his ear, “think you can do it.”

Ayame’s eyes lit up as the papers went everywhere, “of course I can! Oh you naughty girl! Hari will be shocked with lust when he sees it!”

Siera waved to him as she headed back to the others, “I’m counting on you Aya” Ayame was overjoyed and spinning around the room when they joined the others.

“What’s wrong with him?” Kyo stated warily, he had been trying to keep Momiji and Kisa in the lobby.

“Siera’s added a few touches of her own to the dress design,” Mine said, “and if I do say so myself, it will be a “dress” to remember.”

“Yes Hari will be very “please” that wedding night,” Ayame added causing Siera to glare at him. “Okay, okay, I’ll say no more.”
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